PhotoSketcher 2.4.0 supports Windows 8

Lyon programmer David Thoiron has released FotoSketcher 2.40, a major update to his freeware Windows app for quickly converting photos into works of art with just a few clicks. Version 2.40 debuts an improved user interface, new scripting engine for creating multiple effects and official support for Windows 8.

FotoSketcher 2.40, also available as a portable build, allows users to import JPEG, PNG and BMP files and – using a simple Drawing Parameters dialog – convert them into different artistic styles, from pencil sketches to full-blown watercolor and oil paintings.

Version 2.40 debuts a revamped user interface, which includes reorganized menus, new menu icons and no third-party code. It also comes with a brand new script engine – invoked via the [F5] key – that can be used to automatically apply multiple effects to a single image without having to learn any lines of code. The user simply sets up an effect, adds it to the scripting list, then moves on to the next effect or tweak.

FotoSketcher 2.40’s image merge function has also been made more powerful, with the addition of support for multiplication of both source and target images. DPI support has also been extended to the JPEG file format.

Users can now save pictures during processing, while the app promises better directory management through keeping track of directories chosen for opening, saving and selecting manual brushes. FotoSketcher 2.40 should also now automatically save the last texture, text and frame parameters used, although Windows 7 and 8 users may have to run FotoSketcher with administrator privileges for this function to work.

The update is rounded off with official support for Windows 8, new translated terms for the script functions and various unspecified minor tweaks and bug fixes. FotoSketcher 2.40 and FotoSketcher 2.40 Portable are both available as freeware downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later.